Newbie question on HSF/processor union. Doing it this afternoon so I need help quick

[theyurch]

Good day all. Hope life is treating you well. I always see info on heatsink prep (lapping...). Being my first computer assembly (yes, I'm a bit nervous) is there anything I need to know about getting the processor (t-bird 750/Taisol HS/Artic Silver II) ready. I'm basically need to know what's the best way to make sure the cpu is clean and ready. Thanks

peace
ty

[Elder]

if its super hard to get the HS spring to lock around the cpu........ take it off and "work in" the clip a little bit so you dont crush your core trying to attach the HS.. Make sure the HS is flat on the CPU and square across both edges as you attatch it... As for the thermal paste....you just need a super thin layer......not a huge glob...........GL :)

[Nagorak]

I disagree on the thermal paste, make sure you have a decent amount. You really don't have to worry about having too much because any extra grease you have on there will just get squeezed out by the (extreme in the case of AMD heatsinks) pressure of attaching the heatsink. It's a lot worse not to have enough, because then there will still be air between your heatsink and the processor!

The Taisol is relatively easy to attach, so I don't think you will have any problems. Consider using a flat head screwdriver to press down the clip if necessary. It spares the fingers, and you are less likely to drastically screw up if you are not spasming around in pain thanks to the heatsink clip.